428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
428 Building Bridges Through Kindness and Compassion
In being human we are able to connect more authentically with people not just in the workplace but in everyday life, by allowing them to see us for who we truly are and what we are capable of.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Neal Foard discuss the importance of compassion and connection.
Highlights
Being present and aware of your actions on others and the world around you.
Building trust and genuine connection that lasts lifetimes as opposed to a quick and easy contract.
The importance of working in a diverse environment.
Quotes
“What I have been taught again and again is to try as much as possible to really wait for their personality to emerge, to wait for the real person to emerge. Don’t hurry it along and don’t make any judgments.”
“Knowing as much as you can about somebody's personhood as opposed to their professional attributes is a marvelous thing to communicate well. Any time you can speak from personal experience and people can get a sense of what your experience was, it will help them react to you in a human way.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I am really curious about what you will do with what you picked up from this conversation maybe it’ll be from the very beginning of this conversation when you realize that a really good test for the people you want to spend time with is watching how they interact with other people. People that can’t serve them, people that can’t help them, people that can’t do something for them. Maybe it’s somebody on the autism spectrum, maybe it’s someone who acts or behaves differently than you do, maybe it’s a server at a restaurant, or someone in retail. How we treat each other is a really good indication of if you want to spend time with them.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Neal
Neal Foard is a master storyteller and branding expert who spent 25 years shaping award-winning ad campaigns for global icons like Budweiser, Lexus, and Sony. For his international work on Toyota, he was listed among the top ten most decorated creative directors in the world. As Worldwide Director of Creative Learning for advertising giant Saatchi & Saatchi, Neal authored a program to teach professionals to sell their work more effectively. Today, he consults with Fortune 500 companies, universities, and governments on the art of persuasive messaging. A sought-after speaker with multiple appearances on the TEDx stage, Neal is known to millions for his viral videos celebrating everyday human kindness.
Be sure to check out Neal’s LinkedIn and Instagram! As well as Supercharge Your Leadership Skillset and The Restaurant of Mistaken Orders!
About Sarah
Sarah is a Montana based workplace communication trainer, TEDx speaker, DisruptHR speaker, public speaking coach, professional storyteller, musician, and podcast host. Her workshops and coaching packages with teams and their leaders are known to address and reduce miscommunication – the most common cause of tension and stress in the workplace. Using the team’s results from the StrengthsFinder assessment, she guides teams in learning to speak each other’s “language”, learning to value each other’s strengths and connecting with each other through enhanced self-reflection and effective listening.
Sarah’s nearly 20 years working in government agencies inspired her to complete her MBA and to achieve her StrengthsFinder certification to improve work environments for others, guiding teams toward increased satisfaction, productivity, and happiness.
Visit her website to purchase her book, Your Stories Don't Define You in paperback or audiobook.
421 The Lives We Live
421 The Lives We Live
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Kuti Mack discuss their unique experiences in being selected for a TED talk, the process in getting to their own important story they needed to tell, as well as the people who supported them along the way.
Highlights
The benevolence of somebody else and admitting when you need help going hand in hand with not assuming people are capable when in reality they need help. Knowing we are all human and we all need somebody to lean on and to let ourselves lean on others as well.
You need to try things out of your comfort zone in order to grow.
Even if you’re nervous, even if you’re scared, do it anyway.
Quotes
“There is still a self belief that you have to have to believe that you can do these things.”
“Having them understand that you don’t have to be a great speaker, as a matter of fact when you are a little tense or nervous, just that that little bit of vulnerability is probably going to fly so well for your talk.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What is one thing you’ve been wanting to do that you’ve been hesitant to do? What is one thing that when you think about if you have the right people in your circle that could support you in your goal, in your idea in sharing something important to you. What is that? And I really encourage you to think about what your idea would be if you were to share something on a stage, like a TEDx stage. What do you bring that’s unique? What are your talents? What matters deeply to you, deeply enough to put yourself in this extremely uncomfortable position? Stretch out of that comfort zone, reach out to either Kuti or me and we will gladly share our experiences directly and offer whatever we can to help you try to do that next big thing because the people that you surround yourself with are either your greatest assets or your biggest liability.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Kuti
From selling millions of records to pushing kale juice, KUTImack. is a master of reinvention and the living proof of his Be Your Best Daily[image] philosophy. A former top music executive turned sought-after personal trainer, nutrition expert, and TEDx speaker, he turns complex science into simple, actionable strategies that transform wellness and productivity peaks. Creator of the 6-Week SuperYou[image] and BYBD™.
Bedtime Blueprint, he’s earned the nicknames “Fitness Philosopher” and “Rockstar Professor” for his unique ability to fuse entertainment-world experience with science-backed inspiration that connects with every audience member.
Be sure to check out his Facebook, LinkedIn, and Instagram! Also be sure to watch Kuti’s TEDx Talk, 6 Week Super You, and his Speaker Site KUTImack!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
414 Following Your Own Star
There comes a time in our lives where we need to stop and take stock of what we want to do next and our next steps in getting there. Perhaps it’s more than just one thing, perhaps you’re just floating through life trying to figure out what to do next, or perhaps you think this goal is too lofty despite all your hard work. Which is why it is so important to take all you know about others and yourself and apply it to whatever comes next.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and Professor KD Frick discuss the importance of that specific personal growth, as well as the importance of believing in others and yourself even when you aren’t sure where your own star is leading you, and especially to greet the world with open arms.
Image of stones mentioned in episode. Provided by KD Frick
Highlights
Finding the right words for where you are in your life right now.
Leading with compassion and empathy.
Position yourself to be able to understand.
Don’t immediately dismiss someone, you never know where their combined ideas may lead. Everyone has their own North Star they follow.
Quotes
“Empathy leads to approachability.”
“Look as long as I’m here and unless you tell me otherwise, I’m planning on reading names. Because it’s the last connection students have with us.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What did you hear in this conversation that struck you as something that resonated? Maybe it was about not knowing what you want to do next, maybe it was I do know what I want to do next but I’m not being consistent enough to make it happen. I am so curious to hear your thoughts, please share them either in the comments or wherever you see this shared or send me an email.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About KD
KD Frick was originally trained as a health economist and began a career at Johns Hopkins as a faculty member at the Bloomberg School of Public Health; after a bit more than sixteen years in that role, with responsibilities like associate department chair and faculty senate president, a move was made to the Carey Business School as vice dean for education. The eight and one-half years spent in that role were a time of growth and expansion of opportunity. With colleagues encouraging a return to research, challenging decisions around COVID, a focus on ranking academic programs that was not of interest, and a lack of visible opportunities for advancement in administration, a decision was made to return to just a faculty role. The result has been great fulfillment, a change in teaching, and a focus on leading by teaching others to lead artisnally toward aspirational narratives for themselves and those they are developing. There is still room for work on the economics of eye care where Professor Frick has the opportunity to apply the leading with values approach that is taught in the classroom.
Be sure to check out Professor Frick’s LinkedIn, thoughts on tHERSday newsletter, as well as Business and Economics of Eye Care and Health!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
408 Changing For Good
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren’t that different after all.
408 Changing For Good
In this episode Sarah Elkins and Judit Piros discuss the importance of change in one's self, how healing often needs to be sought out and made active strides to achieve. From the highs and lows of being a parent, to the life of an artist, as well as the deep intrinsic self learning that comes from our unique walks of life that we must share with those around us. In doing so, we find we aren’t that different after all.
Handmade Raku Clay Whale Light Sculpture – Unique Ceramic Art, One piece only, available on Etsy.
Highlights
Shifting perspective to see scenarios differently, especially if it is a scenario you didn’t expect to not work out.
Taking time for yourself to heal, find your counterweight, take whatever is thrown at you and still stand up. Especially for yourself and those you love.
Proportional responses and how necessary they are to healing.
Try to be gentle with yourself.
“The way you were born has very very much defined how you lived and how you experience life.”
“All life begins in darkness.”
“You need suffering in order to transform, and this is when you learn your own strength and your own capabilities.”
Handmade Raku Clay Whale Light Sculpture – Unique Ceramic Art, One piece only
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
I have two things that I would like for you to consider over the next few weeks after listening to this episode.
1 - If you are a person who has given birth to a living child or living young adult, what is the birth story you share in front of them? What is the birth story you tell people? Is it traumatic? Have you figured out a way to share the story in a way that feels beautiful and meaningful, regardless of what actually happened that day, regardless of the pain you experienced and the fear. How can you tell this story so that when your child hears it, they hear the joy and gratitude that they are there with you now. That’s my first question.
2 - What is it that is your tell? What is the signal your body gives you when something isn’t right? I encourage you over the next few weeks to try to identify what that is. In Judit, she said that its a twitch in her hip, in the muscles around her hip. For me, it’s usually some sort of effect from my essential tremors, starting to shake badly enough that it’s very noticeable. So when you feel uncomfortable or something is making you anxious or angry, take inventory of your body, figure out where you’re feeling it. And make a choice, a conscious choice, to notice whenever that is the warning you need to change something.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
Mentioned in this episode
Download Judit’s free guide: Imferpect Design.
Do you remember the Weebles collectibles of the 1970s?
About Judit
I am an Atlanta based Hungarian artist... right now artist, because my life was full of twists and turns before I reached to this point, calling myself this way. Economist by degree, designer by interest, mother of three by love, bellydance teacher, phorographer and doula by femininity and the deepest connection is about mental help, coaching and exploring the fields of Birth and Death.
I have a never fading excitement toward the pre- and perinatal traumas and more importantly: how to heal from this traumas. It took me ten years to get more or less over my own and opening that Pandora's box turned my whole life upside down, but worth it. Even the losses, because on this journey I found myself and this new self is a much more relaxed company for... well... for me :)
Be sure to check out Judit’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as Imferpect Design for a free guide!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
402 Freedom in Healing
In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.
402 Freedom in Healing
Throughout life we may make decisions, or be subject to decisions made involving us. Whether it’s first or second hand, inevitably we begin to believe in a pattern in the behavior around us, oftentimes leading to self doubt and worse. However, if we keep moving forward, actively choosing to make the best of a situation, to learn and grow in order to better ourselves for ourselves, we will find our freedom in healing.
In today’s episode, Sarah Elkins and Holli Tabren McEachern discuss the importance of growth, healing, and the honesty that comes with self reflection. Honesty not just with the world, but with yourself and what has happened to make you feel the way you do, and how it triggers you.
Highlights
Empathy in a world of cruelty is the bravest rebellion.
How have you been programmed?
Have you ever encountered favoritism?
What choices are you making that reflect your behavior? Do you feel like you have to justify these choices?
Quotes
“I think it’s because we look at society, and we look at the grandma with the grandkids and the grandma always spoils the grandkids. You have this program, like your program, program from the way things are. Program from the way everybody does things.”
“And God, he prepares you for what’s next. You don’t know it’s preparation. You don’t realize that all these things that happen in your life, even the bad choices you make, will prepare you for the next thing.”
“You have to change you before anything in the situation can change.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
Where are you incarcerated? What are you choosing not to see in your own decisions? That maybe with a little light on them can help you find more satisfaction and happiness in your life. It’s a simple question, but the answer might be tricky.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Holli
Holli Tabren is an author, speaker, mentor, and reentry specialist dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives and reclaim their power after incarceration. Once sentenced to 25 years in prison, she served 10 years before her case was overturned transforming her pain into purpose. Holli now leads the Becoming HER Framework—Healed, Extraordinary, Resilient—through workshops, books, and her soon-to-launch app, equipping justice-impacted women with tools for healing, entrepreneurship, and resilience. She is the author of Blood Ain’t Thicker, The Path2Redemption Anthology, and her newest release, Becoming HER. Featured on national stages and news outlets, Holli shares her story of transformation as living proof that freedom isn’t just about release; it’s about rebuilding. Be sure to check out her LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! And be sure to check out her website Holli Tabren!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
400 Of Reciprocity and Return
In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.
400 Of Reciprocity and Return
In celebrating the 400th Episode of Your Stories Don’t Define You How You Tell Them Will, Sarah Elkins ruminates on the many lessons and gifts she has been given throughout her journey as a podcaster, an entrepreneur, and a person. From returning to what truly matters, to reciprocating the good and beautiful things in life.
Highlights
What goals have you met that still shock you?
What are you reflecting on and have you made amendments to others and yourself?
How do you reciprocate in your relationships? Especially in the relationship with yourself.
Are you surrounding yourself with the people who help build you? Who reciprocates your intentions?
How do you hold space for the stories of those around you?
Quotes
“She thinks about it in terms of returning to our core goodness. She believes this is our opportunity to return, find, and bring our hearts back to that core in action.”
“When I receive, what am I giving in return? When I give, what am I receiving in return?”
“Stop chasing people who don’t treat you the way you deserve to be treated.”
“Everything we do has consequences. Everything we do is reciprocal.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What words do you infuse in your life, relationships, and actions? What role does reciprocity play for you? And what was one thing in this episode that’s so sticky that you will change something; behavior, actions, or maybe something in your internal dialogue?
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!
399 Support In All Its Different Forms
When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.
399 Support In All Its Different Forms
When it comes to feeling comfortable, confident, and seen, it is important that we dress ourselves in a way that reflects how we want to feel. When it comes to women, a good bra that is comfortable and supportive is absolutely vital. We feel good when we have clothes that fit our body and flatter us.
In today’s episode Sarah Elkins and LaJean Lawson discuss not only Doctor Lawson's extensive research into the comfort and support of sports bras and how it has impacted the people in her life that needed something so vital and yet so easily overlooked.
Highlights
When we have access to things that make us comfortable it will make us feel more confident.
Are you pushing the right buttons in your life? How do you know you are on the right path?
How have you felt like your voice was heard?
Here’s the link to the Runner’s World article.
Read about the disparity in research funding for female vs. male athletes here.
A book recommendation to gain perspective about life as a large-sized woman of color: Skin & Bones by Renée Watson
Quotes
“I so love and respect the trades, and I try to do a project every year, especially in really hot or really cold weather because what that does is it raises my awareness and appreciation for the people in our lives that do these things all around the calendar.”
“I realized how much courage it took and what an honor it was, and a privilege, for me to be included in her experience.”
Dear Listeners it is now your turn,
What gear can you ensure that they have to be successful? Yes a sports bra, exactly the right sports bra to encourage a woman, that is a good start. I think a lot about something my husband says often, which is; “If you’re going to start playing guitar, don’t go buy a cheap one. Because it won’t sound good, and you’ll give up.”
The same thing goes for anything you want to do, make sure you have the gear that will set you up for success. Whether that means a great sports bra or a close friend, whether that means the right hiking boots or a passport. You have to have the right gear before you can step out of your comfort zone and do exactly what you were meant to do.
And, as always, thank you for listening.
About LaJean
When it comes to the science of sports bras, Dr. LaJean Lawson easily qualifies as THE global expert! But digging deeply into why and how breasts move, and investigating how to design great sports bras that really work isn’t just an end in itself. Her achievements in this intriguing research area also support her passion to help all women get the gear they need to stop worrying about breasts and bounce, and simply enjoy the fabulous benefits of an active lifestyle, indoors and out.
Dr. LaJean’s longstanding research credentials include more than 35 years of scientific sports bra investigations for Champion Athleticwear and founder/director of the Bra Lab, a biomechanics and consumer testing lab devoted 100% to sports bra science and consumer insight research, with the focused goal of building better sports bras. She is further distinguished as arguably the only person on the planet with two graduate degrees in sports bra science. Her 1985 thesis for her M.S. degree in Clothing and Textiles from Utah State University, a seminal study in sports bra science, investigated the biomechanical support of a variety of sports bras, while her dissertation for her Ph.D. in Exercise & Sport Science from Oregon State University took the first serious scientific look at the effect on performance of protective sports bras for contact sports. Her sports bra and wearable medical device innovations have been awarded multiple patents.
Dr. LaJean is also a sought-after speaker/host for media and marketing events, including co-hosting one of the most commercially successful fitness equipment infomercials in broadcasting history with Jane Fonda. She is a repeat sports bra expert on Another Mother Runner’s popular podcast. She has been a featured speaker at major sports bra launch events at Rockefeller Center in New York, Run Disney special events in Orlando and Susan G. Komen races. In 2018, LaJean was a keynote speaker at the Utah Outdoor Recreation Summit, challenging and inspiring attendees with another topic she could not be more passionate about—size inclusivity in athletic and outdoor gear/participation.
Be sure to check out LaJean’s LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram! As well as her website Dr Sports Bra!
About Sarah
"Uncovering the right stories for the right audiences so executives, leaders, public speakers, and job seekers can clearly and actively demonstrate their character, values, and vision."
In my work with coaching clients, I guide people to improve their communication using storytelling as the foundation of our work together. What I’ve realized over years of coaching and podcasting is that the majority of people don’t realize the impact of the stories they share - on their internal messages, and on the people they’re sharing them with.
My work with leaders and people who aspire to be leaders follows a similar path to the interviews on my podcast, uncovering pivotal moments in their lives and learning how to share them to connect more authentically with others, to make their presentations and speaking more engaging, to reveal patterns that have kept them stuck or moved them forward, and to improve their relationships at work and at home.
The audiobook, Your Stories Don’t Define You, How You Tell Them Will is now available!
Included with your purchase are two bonus tracks, songs recorded by Sarah's band, Spare Change, in her living room in Montana.
Be sure to check out the Storytelling For Professionals Course as well to make sure you nail that next interview!